Wednesday, 23 November 2011

November Lament, A Telling Tale and the Sun enters the House of Sagittarius

Ciclo dei Mesi - 1400

Meister Albert

November

oo oo oo

No sun - no moon!

No morn - no noon -

No dawn - no dusk - no proper time of day.

No warmth, no cheerfulness, no healthful ease,

No comfortable feel in any member -

No shade, no shine, no butterflies, no bees,

No fruits, no flowers, no leaves, no birds! -

November!

Thomas Hood - 1844

oo oo oo

We had another visit to the Eye Clinic, Beloved's Macular Degeneration in one eye has indeed changed to the wet sort; he is a candidate for treatment by injection and we have a date for the first of three. I am hoping that the treatment will stop further degeneration.

You all know by now what kind of nosey parker I am and how I watch my fellow men. I have a little tale to tell about a man and his wife; she was a patient at the eye clinic, he was her driver. I noticed them because he had a very carrying voice, a dull, slow, monotonous, boom, which sort of thumped you over the head. There was no shutting it out, it seemed to bounce off the ceiling and reverberate around the small waiting area. He was a large man, sitting with arms folded and legs outstretched.

Worthy of further attention, I thought.

The wife went in to see the nurse, her seat was quickly taken by another patient, a very elderly man on sticks, walking with difficulty and sitting down heavily; Boomer engaged him in conversation. Ten minutes later, the wife came back out, she'd obviously had drops in her eyes and was to wait for them to work before she was called back in. There was no free seat now. Boomer sat immobile. The old man offered the wife his seat and, in spite of her protestations, painfully heaved himself to his feet; it took him quite a while. Boomer remained immobile. He watched the whole procedure unmoved, his face completely passive. Luckily, the old man was called in by the time he was fully upright.

I am sure my mouth hung open.

oo oo oo

The Sun enters the House of Sagittarius

The man born under Sagittarius shall have mercy on every man he sees. He shall go far to desert places unknown and dangerous, and shall return with great gain; he shall see his fortune increase from day to day. At twenty-two years he shall have some peril, but he shall live seventy-two years and eight months after nature.

The woman shall love to labour; she may not see one weep without pity. She shall spend much silver by evil company. She ought to be married at thirteen years, and shall have pain in her eyes at fourteen; she shall be called the mother of sons, and shall live seventy-two years after nature.

Both man and woman shall be inconstant in deeds; but of good conscience, merciful and better to others than themselves.

Do you think the thought even crossed his mind to give his wife his seat? Some people are just oblivious and know nothing of thoughtfulness or common decency. It happens all the time on mass transit in San Francisco, especially with younger people. Sad.

"Worthy of further attention." I love that. People are the best entertainment - until you are in the proximity of a big log that that. Some things we witness are truly uncomputable. Hard to keep the mouth shut - since it IS hanging open.

Hope your husband's situation is helped by the injections. BTW, eye injections do not hurt. I speak from experience.

Is the Kalendar of Shepheardes 1604 a printed item or you just know where to find it. WonderfulCheers my dear.

I wonder if Boomer has asperger's syndrome - monotone voice and poor social skills.Friko, before we say goodbye to November, we must find some joy, starting now. I didn't find the poem 'bleak' - I found it rather funny. The joy is already finding its way.

Everything you described about the woman's husband speaks of self-importance so I'm not surprised. The body language.. outstretched legs claim space.. as does his voice. Arms say "I am not to be disturbed" and his booming voice says "I am to be heard." Funny how some people feel they should demand respect and how little others feel for them in reality. I feel bad for his wife.

It's always a treat to see the world through your eyes. Thanks for that.

"Boomer." What a great moniker for for someone who has so little regard for fellow humans, particularly his wife. Can you imagine what her life has been like?

Sorry to hear about Beloved's eyes. I may have mentioned that my MIL has the wet kind of macular degeneration, in both eyes, and the treatment with injections has been very positive, enabling her to continue to read, albeit awkwardly, and to use her computer, with special settings.

Dear Friko,Your posting today took us far and wee, here and there, in and out of musings and art, poetry and people watching. I like these posts when you introduce a new zodiac sign as well as the seasons. There is a calm to them that appeals mightily to me. An acceptance that this is the circle of being. Thank you.

The two of us together, in a bus station, airport - indeed, any waiting area - would be dangerous. I just know that I'd disgrace myself in laughter. I love your observations which so often mirror the sorts of things I see as I go about my day. Coming home from the mainland last week I sat in front of a man who spoke loud and slow on a cell phone for 55 minutes of the ride to the boat. I know a great deal too much about his financial situation, the sort of car he'd rented, his difficulties at work and his rudeness to the clerks at his firm. In the last 5 minutes he slept - also a full pitch.

Watching our fellow man is more interesting than a movie could create...I often hear snippets of conversations when shopping too that have me spinning stories in my head...wondering what their life is like?? If they swear or are rude in public like that what is the home like?

I think Boomer would plead ignorant to the effects of his behavior on those in or around his life. I don't think you are a nosey parker so much as you are smart & aware. At times being Aware can be weighted with obligation. ~Mary

I do so enjoy your perspicacious observations on the passing show of life. Your colourful descriptions capture these moments in time much like a sculptor freezes moments in stone. Boomer's arrogance will be remember long after his passing. What a legacy! The same goes for the poor, feeble elderly man. His generosity of spirit and good manners will carry on through your words for a long, long time as well.

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Benno

About Me

I was born and educated in Germany but I have lived in the UK for decades.
Before I started blogging, I had time for gardening, writing, reading, meeting friends, for poetry and literature, concerts and the theatre. I enjoyed cooking and feeding others.
Now, I do all these things if blogging permits.